Power system device

ABSTRACT

A power system comprising a cylinder assembly and a power providing system. The cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder, a piston, a connecting rod and a crankshaft. The cylinder is pivotally coupled to a frame and includes opposing end walls. The piston is slidably positionable in the cylinder between the opposing end walls. The connecting rod is coupled to the piston. The crankshaft is rotatably coupled with the connecting rod. The power providing system comprises a vacuum providing assembly, a manifold, a valve actuator arm and a cam. The manifold is coupled to the vacuum providing assembly and with the cylinder selectively between the piston and a first opposing end wall and between the piston and the second opposing end wall. The cam is coupled to the crankshaft and the valve actuator arm. The cam is capable of directing the valve actuator arm, to, in turn, selectively and sequentially place the vacuum in fluid communication with the cylinder on alternating sides of the piston, to, in turn, facilitate rotation of the crankshaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates in general to power systems, and more particularly, a power system which comprises an air pump and a piston/cylinder configuration to impart rotation upon a crankshaft. The crankshaft can then be coupled with another device to power said device or to store energy for use at another time.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] The use of power systems is known in the art. Generally, power systems rely on any number of different fuels, or comprise a number of powerful electric motors. While such devices have been successful, there have been drawbacks. In particular, such conventional devices are often result in dangerous emissions. Furthermore, such devices are quite complicated and often require much tuning and tweaking to operate correctly.

[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0006] It is an additional object of the invention to provide for a vacuum air power system to provide power to outside devices.

[0007] These objects as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention comprises a power system. The power system comprises a cylinder assembly and a power providing system. The cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder, a piston, a connecting rod and a crankshaft. The cylinder is pivotally coupled to a frame and includes opposing end walls. The piston is slidably positionable in the cylinder between the opposing end walls. The connecting rod is coupled to the piston. The crankshaft is rotatably coupled with the connecting rod. The power providing system comprises a vacuum providing assembly, a manifold, a valve actuator arm and a cam. The manifold is coupled to the vacuum providing assembly and with the cylinder selectively between the piston and a first opposing end wall and between the piston and the second opposing end wall. The cam is coupled to the crankshaft and the valve actuator arm, the cam is capable of directing the valve actuator arm, to, in turn, selectively and sequentially place the manifold in fluid communication with the cylinder on alternating sides of the piston, to in turn, facilitate rotation of the crankshaft.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the power system further includes at least one conduit coupled with the vacuum providing assembly and the manifold, at least one conduit coupled with the manifold and one of the opposing end walls of the cylinder, and at least one conduit coupled with the manifold and the other of the opposing end walls of the cylinder.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the manifold further comprises a first manifold and a second manifold. The first manifold includes at least four openings. The second manifold includes at least four openings.

[0011] In one such preferred embodiment, the valve actuator arm is coupled to a follower which is capable of cooperating with the cam, to in turn, impart movement thereof.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the power system further comprises a return spring associated with the valve actuator arm, to in turn, return the valve actuator arm upon release of the follower and the cam.

[0013] Preferably, the crankshaft further comprises an output pulley. Additionally, the vacuum providing assembly comprises a vacuum pump.

[0014] Moreover, the power assembly comprises a plurality of power systems coupled together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 of the drawings is a schematic representation of the power providing system of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 of the drawings is a front elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019]FIG. 4 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail one specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[0021] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0022] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, power assembly 10 is shown. Power assembly 10 is intended for use to power any number of different devices. Moreover, while a single power assembly is shown and explained in detail, it will be understood that any number of power assemblies may be coupled together or utilized in association with each other to provide additional power.

[0023] Specifically, power assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 2 in detail as comprising cylinder assembly 12 and power providing system 14. Cylinder assembly 12 is mounted on frame 15 and includes cylinder 16, piston 18 (FIG. 2), connecting rod 20 and crankshaft 22. Frame 15 generally comprises a plurality of beams which are attached to each other, the beams include fittings which facilitate the attachment of various other components of the cylinder assembly and the power providing assembly. In one embodiment, the beams comprise a plurality of I-beams, C-channel beams, square beams, among others, all made from steel. Of course other materials are likewise contemplated for use, including, but not limited to, other metals and alloys, composites, fibrous materials and plastics. The invention is not limited to any particular material for any of the components.

[0024] Cylinder 16 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising body 36. Body 36 includes opposing end walls 38, 39, length 37 and openings 40, 41, 80, 81. The opposing end walls 38,39 are spaced apart from each other by length 37 of body 36. Thus, the body and the opposing end walls define an inner cavity of cylinder 16. Generally the cross-sectional area of the cylinder is substantially uniform throughout the length thereof. Openings 40 and 80 extends through opposing end wall 38 and openings 41 and 81 extends through opposing end wall 39. Cylinder 16 comprises a steel material with end walls secured thereto by way of securing fasteners 83 (FIG. 1) and gaskets 84. It is likewise contemplated that the various members may be welded together (after assembly of the piston).

[0025] Piston 18 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising body 42 having outer perimeter 43. Generally, outer perimeter 43 substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional configuration of cylinder 16. Furthermore, seal 44 extends about outer perimeter 43 such that an effective seal (i.e., substantially fluid tight) between piston 18 and cylinder 16 can be achieved. Piston 18 separates the cavity defined by cylinder 16 into two components, a upper cavity and a lower cavity. Piston 18 is capable of freely proceeding from opposing end wall 38 to opposing end wall 39. Of course, the swept volume of piston 18 can be predetermined based upon the various linkages associated therewith.

[0026] Connecting rod 20, as is shown in FIG. 2, includes region 46 coupled to piston 18 and second end 48 extending through opposing end wall 39 (through as sealingly engaged opening in opposing end wall 39). In certain embodiments first end 46 is permanently fixed (i.e., fastened, welded, etc.) to piston 18. In such an embodiment, cylinder 16 is pivotally associated with frame 15, about pivot 35, such that the cylinder is capable of pivoting relative to frame 15 upon movement of piston 18 relative to cylinder 16. Generally, connecting rod 20 comprises a metal material, such as round stock, for example.

[0027] Crankshaft 22 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising connecting rod bearing region 51 and output drive system 50. Connecting rod bearing region 51 comprises a portion of crankshaft 22 which is offset relative to the remainder of crankshaft 22. Second end 48 of connecting rod 20 is rotatably attached to connecting rod bearing region 51. As such, linear movement of the connecting rod facilitates rotation of crankshaft 22. Output drive system, includes output pulley 50 is rotatably coupled to the connecting rod. The output pulley can be associated by way of belts with other axles and other shafts, such as shaft 83 (FIG. 1), to achieve the desired output torque and speed.

[0028] Power providing system 14 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising vacuum providing assembly 30, manifold 32 and conduit 34. Vacuum providing assembly 30 includes pump 80. Pump 80 includes an input and an output. As will be understood, the pump pulls air from the input and exhausts the air through the output. The pump comprises any number of different vacuum pumps which are capable of a removing a predetermined quantity of air from a volume at a particular rate.

[0029] Manifold 32 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising selective communication assembly 52. Selective communication assembly 52 comprises first manifold 54, second manifold 56, valve actuator arm 57, cam 58, follower 60 and return spring 62. First manifold 52 includes openings 70, 72, 74 and 76. Second manifold 56 comprises openings 71, 73, 75 and 77. The valve actuator arm includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The valve actuator arms are configured so that the openings thereof correspond to the openings of the manifolds. As such, the valve actuator arm is selectively movable between the manifolds so as to line up with the opening of the manifold and to selectively place the various openings in fluid communication.

[0030] As is shown in FIG. 3, cam 58 includes lobe 82 which is rotatably coupled to crankshaft 22. Follower 60 is coupled to valve actuator arm 57 and as the valve actuator arm is moved, the openings of the valve actuator arm place the openings of the first and second manifold in fluid communication. The follower is movable by way of contact of lobe 82 of cam 58.Return spring 62 returns the first manifold to an original position after movement thereof by cam 58.

[0031] In particular, and as is shown in FIG. 2, depending on the position of cam 58 relative to follower 60 several configurations can be achieved. In one orientation, opening 70 is placed in fluid communication with opening 71. At the same time, opening 76 is placed in fluid communication with opening 77. In such a configuration, openings 72, 74, 73 and 75 are isolated. In a second orientation, opening 72 is placed in fluid communication with opening 73. At the same time, opening 74 is placed in fluid communication with opening 75. Openings 70, 76, 71 and 77 are isolated. Of course, lobe 82 is configured such that the positioning of the valve actuator arm are coordinated with the position of the piston.

[0032] As is shown in FIG. 2, conduit 34 is shown as comprising vacuum supply conduit 64, first vacuum conduit 65, second vacuum conduit 66, first atmospheric conduit 67 and second atmospheric conduit 68. First conduit supply 64 is coupled to the input of pump 80 and to each of openings 70, 72 of first manifold 54. First vacuum conduit 65 is coupled to opening 71 of second manifold 56 and to opening 81 extending through opposing end wall 39. Similarly, second vacuum conduit 66 is coupled to opening 73 of second manifold 56 and to opening 80 extending through opposing end wall 38. First atmospheric conduit 67 is attached to opening 75 and to opening 40 in opposing end wall 38. Second atmospheric conduit 68 is attached to opening 77 and opening 41 of opposing end wall 39.

[0033] In operation, initially, piston 18 is displaced between the opposing end walls of cylinder 16. As the pump is activated, air is withdrawn (i.e., a vacuum is pulled) through conduit 64. Through an initial positioning of the crankshaft, opening 70 is positioned in fluid communication with opening 71 and opening 76 is placed in fluid communication with opening 77. As such, a vacuum is pulled by the pump from the cavity positioned between opposing end wall 39 and piston 18. At such time, openings 73, 75 are fluidly isolated.

[0034] As the air is pulled from the lower region of the cavity, air is introduced into the upper region of the cavity. In turn, the piston is slidably moved downward within cylinder 16. Inasmuch as cylinder 16 is coupled with connecting rod 20 and crankshaft 22, movement of the piston imparts rotation to the crankshaft.

[0035] Once the piston reaches the end of travel in a first direction within the cylinder, the connecting rod and the cam are coordinated such that the valve actuator arm moves relative to the second manifold and the first manifold. As such, opening 72 is placed in fluid communication with opening 73 and opening 74, and opening 74 is placed in fluid communication with opening 75. As such, air is pulled from the upper cavity above the piston and the air is accepted into from the lower cavity below the piston. In turn, the piston is directed in the opposite direction. Again, this movement imparts rotation upon the crankshaft. As this procedure is repeated sequentially, continuous rotation is imparted onto the crankshaft. The rotation results in the rotation of the output pulley. In turn, devices can be powered by coupling with the output drive system 50. Indeed, multiple power systems can be coupled together to operate in unison.

[0036] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A power system comprising: cylinder assembly comprising: a cylinder pivotally coupled to a frame, the cylinder including opposing end walls; a piston slidably positionable in the cylinder between the opposing end walls; a connecting rod coupled to the piston; and a crankshaft rotatably coupled with the connecting rod; and power providing system comprising: a vacuum providing assembly; a manifold coupled to the vacuum providing assembly and with the cylinder selectively between the piston and a first opposing end wall and between the piston and the second opposing end wall; a valve actuator arm associated with the manifold; and a cam coupled to the crankshaft and the valve actuator arm, the cam capable of directing the valve actuator arm, to, in turn, selectively and sequentially place the vacuum in fluid communication with the cylinder on alternating sides of the piston, to in turn, facilitate rotation of the crankshaft.
 2. The power system of claim 1 further comprising: at least one conduit coupled with the vacuum providing assembly and the manifold; at least one conduit coupled with the manifold and each of the opposing end walls of the cylinder; and at least one conduit coupled with the manifold and the other of the opposing end walls of the cylinder.
 3. The power system of claim 1 wherein: the manifold further comprises: a first manifold, the first manifold including at least four openings; and a second manifold, the second manifold including at least four openings.
 4. The power system of claim 3 wherein the valve actuator arm is coupled to a follower which is capable of cooperating with the cam, to in turn, impart movement thereof.
 5. The power system of claim 4 further comprising a return spring associated with valve actuator arm, to in turn, move the valve actuator arm upon release of the follower and the cam.
 6. The power system of claim 1 wherein the crankshaft further comprises an output pulley.
 7. The power system of claim 1 wherein the vacuum providing assembly comprises a vacuum pump.
 8. A power assembly comprising a plurality of power systems of claim 1 coupled together. 